Sharks 2022-23 Global Series Game 1 Recap: Predators 4, Sharks 1 (10/7/22)

 The Sharks drop their first game of the 2022-23 season and the first of a back-to-back set as part of the NHL Global Series in Prague to the Nashville Predators 4-1. 

Things were pretty even between the Sharks and Predators through the first period, but the Preds took control during the rest of the game. Kiefer Sherwood scored one minute into the start of this contest to put the Predators on the board first, while none other than the hometown guy Tomas Hertl ties the game for the Sharks seven minutes later. Timo Meier and Luke Kunin picked up assists on the Sharks’ only goal of the game. 

Early in the second period, Nashville regained their lead on a goal from Eeli Tolvanen. Shortly after, Jonah Gadjovich and Mark Borowiecki dropped the gloves and got into a scrum at the corner, leading to five-minute majors for both Gadjovich and Borowiecki. Later on in the middle frame, Nino Niederreiter scored his first in a Preds uniform to extend the Preds' lead to two. The Predators capped off their victory in the first game of the Global Series late in the third on an empty-netter from Matt Duchene. 

James Reimer made some big stops in big moments, recording a total of 28 saves. However, the Predators' offense and Sharks' subpar defense didn't help his cause. 

Although the Sharks' showed flashes from last year's team in the opening game loss, this was a very meaningful and significant game for Tomas Hertl, who received an overwhelming amount of support from the crowd in his native Czech Republic. It was only fitting that he scored not only on his home turf, but the first goal of the season for the Sharks. 

Luckily this is only San Jose's first game of the new season. Team Teal is looking to bounce back against the Preds in the second and final game of the Global Series at O2 Arena in Prague tomorrow, with puck drop at 11 am PT. I will consider the Global Series in Prague a success for the Sharks if they can split this two-game set with the Predators tomorrow. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App 

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